will they school?

[knicks791]

Do loaches only school with thier own kind?

Currently I have one tiger, one orange-fin and one chain loach.

Anyone else have a similar set up?

 

[justin guest]

They may school but cl's use colour and pattern to identify members of their school. hence cl's will often school with tiger barbs. better to get at least a couple of each species.

j<><

 

[knicks791]

I don't think that would help. I had two tiger loaches once and they just hide and fought each other.

 

[JakeH]

I don't think that would help. I had two tiger loaches once and they just hide and fought each other.

Tiger loaches have MUCH different behavior than Clowns/kobutai/etc. Much more territorial.
In addition, 2 of any peaceful loach species is a recipe for territorial disputes. Shoaling is natural instinct & if there's no shoal, they either fight or just hide.
Tiger barbs are great shoaling substitutes/partners for clown loaches because they also draw them up to swim at the top.